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The Banana Theory: realising the carbon footprint of bananas

17 May 2012

Exactly how bad are bananas? Or
anything else? Inspired by Mike Berners-Lee’s book How Bad Are Bananas?, The Banana Theory project demonstrates, using QR code
technology and installation art, the difficulty we face when deciding how to
change our lifestyle to become greener.

Between 16 and 27 May a two-part
installation aimed at raising awareness of sustainability issues, developed by
students at UCL and Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts
London, is open to the public.

The installation, in the parade ground
of Chelsea College, transforms the existing grass
square into a twelve metre squared QR code made entirely of grass and soil.

The second part of the project involves
the placement of smaller QR code stickers around the campus. When scanned with
a smart phone, each code will take the user to information on the carbon
footprint of that particular object on our website. Objects on the Chelsea campus that are
part of the installation include a sandwich, a coffee, cup, a bicycle and a bus
stop.

The project aims to address concerns
about the amount of information available to people about how to lead a greener
life. The volume of information can become overwhelming and this can make
decision-making even more difficult.

Nearly everything we do has an impact on our environment: turning on a light bulb, washing our hands, eating a banana, event searching on Google or walking up the stairs!

David Stefan

David Stefan, UCL Sustainability and
Resilience student said: “Sustainability issues are big and systemic. Nearly
everything we do has an impact on our environment: turning on a light bulb, washing
our hands, eating a banana, event searching on Google or walking up the stairs!

“But knowing how good or bad the impact
is doesn’t necessarily make the decision about how to change our behaviour any
easier, especially when there’s so much information which is often
contradictory.”

On 21 May, a launch event is also being
held to accompany the installation, where a varied panel of experts will
discuss issues surrounding sustainability.

Chaired by environmental journalist
and author of PeoplequakeFred Pearce, the panel will consist of:

David Cross, Camberwell
College of Arts, University of the
Arts London

Natalia
Heredia, a student from Chelsea College of Art who is involved in The Banana Theory project, said: "In
the past people were worried about the price of food. Years later, we ask about
the price and the calorie information in order to make our decisions. In the
future people will also make choices depending on the CO2 factor."